ISIOLO, Kenya - At least five people were killed and several others injured when an informal gold mine caved in and buried them alive in northern Kenya, a local official said.
Authorities closed the Hillo subsistence gold mine near the Ethiopian border in March after several people were killed in clashes between local communities over access to the area, but miners have continued to dig at the site.
READ MORE: Indonesia search resumes after landslide kills 17, leaves dozens missing
Around 1,000 people overpowered security forces and invaded the area on Monday evening, said David Saruni, Marsabit County deputy commissioner.
READ MORE: 3 trapped after North China coal mine accident, rescue efforts underway
"They dug an abandoned site which collapsed and buried five bodies that were recovered," Saruni said late on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Papua New Guinea leader Marape says extraordinary weather causing disasters
Village elder Alio Guyo said nine bodies had been recovered from the rubble, which included five Kenyans and four Ethiopians.